[stalag8611]

Thankfully, I'm glad that Altaya is producing the "heavies" in 1:144. It'll give us a chance to collect some great models without giving up our first born son, or going into debt in order to add another room to display our toys. I have two 1:72 "heavies" and that's convinced that less is more when it comes to four engines.

[Epapazian]

Thought I'd pass along a review of Altaya's new 1:144 B-17G by someone who has actually held one in his hands--- an ebay seller who is usually honest in his evaluations. As I suspected, this is a new molding , with significant amounts of detail in terms of engraved lines, crisp transparencies, spinning props and tampo printing, etc. Also, the plane's wheels are fixed in the "down" position. Another positive is the lack of those hideous glue blobs and smears that mar Altaya's biplane series. On the negative side, there are some errors regarding the frames in the main cockpit window area, other transparencies are simulated via engraving and gray paint ( the rear gunner's position, notably ) and the machine guns are slightly too large and sometimes askew. Finally, while the fuselage is metal, most other parts are plastic. While I am not interested in buying planes from this line like the B-29, B-17, B-24 and Lancaster, which I already have via Corgi and/or Dragon, the possibility of obtaining a fairly decent 1:144 rendition of a FW-200, HE-177, Short Sterling, Cant Z 1007, JU-290, Emily or a Piaggio P. 108---which are good sized warbirds, even in this scale---has me drooling. More on this as new info surfaces.

[no4mkit]

Thanks for that Epapazian. I thought the B-17 cockpit windows looked a bit off in that low rez pic Altaya released. Like you I'm interested in the types we haven't yet seen in this scale so any news, reviews and pics are appreciated. Nice to hear that overall these are good models, though I'm a bit disappointed in the fixed undercart feature. Ah well, bring on the SM-79, Stirling, Ju290, He177 and FW-200!

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Here's the latest news on the new Altaya series of WWII bombers in 1:144 scale. This comes from a usually well informed source who specializes in magazine promotional lines such as Atlas and the IXO reissues. First off, this is the initial list of offerings: U.S.A.: B-17G, B-24J, B-29, C-54: Great Britain: Wellington, Lancaster, Halifax, Short Sterling, Manchester: France: Leo-451:Italy: Cant Z 1007, Piaggio P. 108: Germany: HE-111, HE-177, JU-52, JU-290, FW-200, B&V 222 and Japan:"Betty"and "Emily". There will also be a very limited supply of the Arado-234 jet bomber in 1:72 scale. While this is not yet confirmed, all indications are that these are new castings offering better detail than the old Atlas series, including more realistic paint schemes. Finally, they will come in blister packs---a big improvement over the Atlas packaging. From my own observations this information seem quite credible. Moreover, I suspect that a second wave of models, including the B-25, JU-88, SB-2 and probably others included in the Atlas line ( B-26, Sally, SM-79,C-47, C-46, Do-217,IL-4, etc.) is in the works. Hopefully this will include the long ignored A-20 and PE-2. The best news is that the first of the Altaya planes are expected to get to selected eBay sellers in September. I know that some members are turned off by the small scale and/or disappointments with the Atlas planes QC-wise. Still, the new Altaya entries bay be worth close scrutiny and some sample buys. I plan to do just that, because the chance to get a diecast "Emily", Piaggio P.108 and JU-290 is too tempting to resist.

How I can get that one? Do you have any info? Thanks.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

How I can get that one? Do you have any info? Thanks.

I'm hot for the Arado also. My source says that it will be a relatively scarce item as it's part of a special promotion, not the regular give-away magazine subscription deal. I plan to keep searching for it on eBay at regular intervals, since I doubt that it will show up via normal online vendors

[flyXwire]

I just read this from themotorpool.net newsletter I received regarding the new Altaya 1:144 bombers:

Altaya Screams, 'Bombs Away!'
Altaya color, the European distribution arm of IXO Models color, has announced plans to roll out a range of 1:144 scale diecast bombers. According to sources, several WWII-era heavies are forming up for an attack, including a Fw-200 Condor, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and Avro Lancaster. Other warbirds are scheduled to join the fray, including a Heinkel He-111 and Ju-88 medium bomber, along with a Russian Pe-2 four-engine ship.
Its not clear if IXO Models color will be able to offer these birdies in the US in time for the holiday season or details concerning retail pricing, although we are hearing they may come in at the $30 price point. More details to come as we hear about them... [posted 9/10/2007]

To me this is very good news! I am looking forward to getting the Fw-200 and Russian Pe-2 four-engined ship when it comes out. I am also hoping that the online dealer will be able to get a hold of
a few of the limited edition 1/72nd Arado-234 "w/piggy-backed V-2 doodle bug" as this is the one I really most covet and must have for my collection of diecasts that will never be made by anyone else.

[Epapazian]

I saw that notice on The Motor Pool's website a short time ago but am somewhat skeptical. TMP was one of the original sources of last year's rumor about a new IXO line of 1:72 scale WWII bombers. This now appears to have been a forerunner of the new Altaya models which, except for an Arado 234, are in 1:144 scale. Obviously, those of us that are interested in the unusual diecast offerings in this series would be pleased to have them available from The Motor Pool and other online sellers, so I hope that TMP is able to sell them. Meanwhile, I am continuing my own research on the Altaya WWII bomber series and will report any info that can be made public as soon as possible.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Meanwhile, I am continuing my own research on the Altaya WWII bomber series and will report any info that can be made public as soon as possible.

Your info and sightings on these matters are highly appreciated, Epapazian. Thanks!

[ZS-VAN]

Some interesting aircraft no-one else is doing. I really like the Condor. When is someone going to do that one in 1/72?

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

Some interesting aircraft no-one else is doing. I really like the Condor. When is someone going to do that one in 1/72?

I've felt for a long time that the FW-200 is a "natural"choice for Corgi's next four-engined bomber, however I won't mind too much if they opt for a Short Sterling instead.